IAFF Presidential Forum: on Technology

Hillary Clinton: Fight for interoperable communications for first responders

We have been fighting for interoperable communications since September 12. We have put in legislation. We've asked for more money, but when firefighters can't talk to police officers, when emergency responders can't talk to each other, we not only saw it on September 11, we saw it again during Hurricane Katrina. What was a natural disaster was turned into a national disgrace, and we need to get the funds directly where they are needed. Source: 2007 IAFF Presidential Forum in Washington DC Mar 14, 2007

John McCain: Provide unused spectrum to emergency officials

Some of us in Congress have tried for several years to provide unused spectrum to police, firefighters and other emergency officials without, I am sorry to report, success. With all the technological advances of recent years, why is it that those on whom we depend when disasters strike are still unable to communicate with each other during an emergency, while we are able to watch the crisis unfold on our televisions? It's because public officials have yet to get serious about developing and funding a safety communications system for all local, state and federal first responders.

Government needs to develop a comprehensive, interoperable emergency communications plan and set equipment standards, fund emergency and interoperable communications equipment, and provide the radio spectrum that will allow communicating over long distances using the same frequencies and equipment. We should have done it years ago. We must do it now before disaster, man made or natural, strikes us again.

Source: 2007 IAFF Presidential Forum in Washington DC Mar 14, 2007

The above quotations are from IAFF Presidential Forum, March 14, 2007 (International Association of Fire Fighters). Click here for definitions & background information on Technology. Click here for more quotes by John McCain on Technology. Click here for more quotes by Chuck Hagel on Technology.
*2008 Presidential contenders on Technology:*
*Republicans:* Chmn.John Cox Mayor Rudy Giuliani Gov.Mike Huckabee Rep.Duncan Hunter Sen.John McCain Rep.Ron Paul Gov.Mitt Romney Sen.Fred Thompson	*Democrats:* Sen.Hillary Clinton Sen.John Edwards Sen.Mike Gravel Rep.Dennis Kucinich Sen.Barack Obama	*Third Parties:* Green: Rep.Cynthia McKinney Socialist: Brian Moore Independent: Mayor Mike Bloomberg
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org! Click for details -- or send donations to: 1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140 E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org (We rely on your support!)